The Maltings, the historic centre for conferences, exhibitions and banqueting in Ely has now closed for six months for essential repairs.

The Council informed the public last year that the building was coming up for a scheduled refit of it’s roof in May and the building would need to close to protect the public for a period of up to six months.

The repair work will coincide with the end of the District Council’s contract with Eliance who currently provide the catering and exhibition facilities at the Maltings. The Council is currently looking into the various options for the future of the building but has confirmed that it will continue to house a cinema when it reopens.

The Maltings, built in 1868 for the brewery of Ebenezer William Harlock, is a grade II listed building. The work which is set to begin next week will include reinstating an original pattern on the four slopes of the tower roof using a combination of traditional details.

Councillor John Humphreys, Chairman of Asset Management Committee, said: “We tried to give people as long a warning as possible about the closure of the Maltings in October last year as there are so many events which take place at the building. People have been very understanding about the need to get this work done and it will begin immediately to repair the roof.

“We hope to reopen in six months but obviously this will depend a lot on what the contractors find and the weather. We have though made the promise that when the building reopens it will still have a cinema and will be available for community use. I would like to stress that the building as it stands is perfectly safe and any work will be in keeping with the historic character of the building.”